Radiology Residency

[...andanailtrim]

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I'm very curious how realistic it is to obtain a radiology residency. I quickly became humbled after reviewing the placement statistics from the VIRMP website. I have no idea whether or not I am a competitive or even a realistic candidate.

I received decent grades in vet school (A's and B's), I have a few years experience working as a mobile sonographer (echocardiograms, abdominal scans, FNA's, and tru-cut's, etc.) and additional 5 years experience as a general practitioner at a busy small animal hospital. I have never completed a formal internship program. I'm well aware that the residency covers a range of diagnostics far greater than what I have been exposed to since graduating from veterinary school. And I understand how demanding and challenging the 3 or 4 years would be. I'm simply curious what makes an applicant competitive. Is it grades? Research? Experience in the field? Would it be unrealistic for me to apply? Thank you for any feedback!

 

[rdc]

Each residency program is a little different. I personally feel that the best radiologists are good clinicians first, before they go on to specialize. That being said, I don't train radiology residents and I suspect it's going to vary depending on who your mentor is and the track record of the institution. Here at Cornell they seem to like residents who have done an internship and spent time in practice. A couple of our more recent residents have completed imaging internships as well.

If you're committed to getting a residency, you may need to go back and do a rotating internship to make yourself competitive for the match. Grades and research are also going to likely play a factor in your competitiveness for a position. Experience in the field is going to be an interesting factor... some programs like their applicants to have some experience (like your ultrasound skills), whereas other programs are going to want a blank canvass so they can mould you without having to break old habits.

Your best bet is going to be to visit programs and speak to the residency directors. You will hopefully quickly discover what you need to do to make yourself a competitive candidate.

 

[WildZoo]

I'm very curious how realistic it is to obtain a radiology residency. I quickly became humbled after reviewing the placement statistics from the VIRMP website. I have no idea whether or not I am a competitive or even a realistic candidate.

I received decent grades in vet school (A's and B's), I have a few years experience working as a mobile sonographer (echocardiograms, abdominal scans, FNA's, and tru-cut's, etc.) and additional 5 years experience as a general practitioner at a busy small animal hospital. I have never completed a formal internship program. I'm well aware that the residency covers a range of diagnostics far greater than what I have been exposed to since graduating from veterinary school. And I understand how demanding and challenging the 3 or 4 years would be. I'm simply curious what makes an applicant competitive. Is it grades? Research? Experience in the field? Would it be unrealistic for me to apply? Thank you for any feedback!

I have nothing to contribute as far as answers to your questions go, but I love your username 🙂